The Negros Power annual Bill Deposit review is a regulatory requirement designed to keep customers’ Bill Deposits fair and aligned with actual electricity consumption.
Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has reminded customers that the annual Bill Deposit review is a regulatory requirement mandated by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), rather than a policy initiated at the discretion of the distribution utility. It ensures that every customer’s Bill Deposit remains appropriate based on their electricity usage.
The annual review is required under the Amended Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers. In particular, ERC Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026, requires distribution utilities to evaluate customers’ Bill Deposits.
The review is based on the customer’s average monthly electricity bill over the last 12 months.
How the annual Bill Deposit review works
A Bill Deposit serves as a security deposit for an electric service account. It is intended to be approximately equal to one month’s average electricity bill.
Under the Negros Power annual Bill Deposit review, customers whose existing Bill Deposit is less than 90 percent of their average monthly electricity bill will have the difference added to their electric bill.
This adjustment will appear during the customer’s service anniversary month. This is the same month when the customer’s electric service was first connected.
The adjustment brings the Bill Deposit in line with the customer’s actual electricity consumption.
Meanwhile, customers whose existing Bill Deposit is more than 110 percent of their average monthly electricity bill will automatically receive a refund. The excess amount will be credited to their electric bill during their service anniversary month.
For example, a customer with an average monthly bill of ₱5,000 and an existing Bill Deposit of ₱2,000 will see an additional ₱3,000 reflected in the electric bill.
On the other hand, a customer with an average monthly bill of ₱4,000 and an existing Bill Deposit of ₱6,000 will automatically receive a ₱2,000 refund. This will be provided through a bill credit.
ERC requirement protects customers
Atty. Lyana Paula Tomulto, Legal Officer of Negros Power, emphasized that the annual Bill Deposit review is not optional.
It is a legal requirement imposed on all distribution utilities under ERC rules.
“The annual Bill Deposit review is not a discretionary action on the part of Negros Power. It is a regulatory requirement mandated under the Amended Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers, specifically ERC Resolution No. 3, Series of 2026. The purpose of this annual assessment is to ensure that every customer’s Bill Deposit remains fair, reasonable, and proportionate to their actual electricity consumption based on the preceding 12 months of usage,” Tomulto said.
She added that the regulation also provides safeguards to protect consumers. These safeguards ensure that only the necessary adjustments are made.
“The guidelines likewise provide safeguards for consumers. If the existing Bill Deposit is lower than the prescribed amount, only the corresponding adjustment is collected. Conversely, if the Bill Deposit exceeds the allowable threshold, the excess amount is automatically credited back to the customer. This framework protects consumers while ensuring that distribution utilities remain compliant with the standards prescribed by the Energy Regulatory Commission,” she added.
Adjustments are implemented automatically
Negros Power also clarified that customers do not need to file a request or application for the annual review.
Instead, the review and any corresponding adjustments are implemented automatically in accordance with ERC regulations.
The distribution utility further explained that the five-month installment plan applies only to Bill Deposit adjustments resulting from the annual review.
It does not apply to Bill Deposits required for new service applications. The same applies to Bill Deposits required for the reconnection of previously disconnected accounts.
Negros Power encouraged customers to read the Bill Deposit Advisory for more information. Customers may also contact its Customer Care team or send a message through its official Facebook page for questions or clarification regarding the Negros Power annual Bill Deposit review.
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